Re-using Apex Seals ?
04-20-13, 02:54 PM
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Re-using Apex Seals ?
Hello Fellow Rotorheads,
I am smack in the middle of my first rebuild. It is out of a 1990 Red Vert with a pristine body on it. I bought the car last summer and after about 5,000 miles
(125,000 total miles) it started the dreaded "steam cloud" everytime I started it. After some research here , I found this could only be repaired with a rebuild. Since my girlfriend has the twin to this car I figured I might as well jump in with both feet and tackle this on my own. I build special machinery for a living so I'm not completely out of my element.
Low and behold, I found water port damage to the front housing. I have a used housing on it's way which I purchased from Mazdatrix. They lapped it before sending. Can't really afford a new one. This brings about my question.
Is re-using Apex Seals an absurd notion ? The service manual is very explicit about trying to keep all the seals in order when removing them , but most of the threads I have read sound as though new apex and corner seals are a must. Am I reading the wrong threads or is this an accurate assesment ?
If so, should I stick with the original two piece design apex seal or is one of the newer designs a better alternative.
Thanks for any help.
I am smack in the middle of my first rebuild. It is out of a 1990 Red Vert with a pristine body on it. I bought the car last summer and after about 5,000 miles
(125,000 total miles) it started the dreaded "steam cloud" everytime I started it. After some research here , I found this could only be repaired with a rebuild. Since my girlfriend has the twin to this car I figured I might as well jump in with both feet and tackle this on my own. I build special machinery for a living so I'm not completely out of my element.
Low and behold, I found water port damage to the front housing. I have a used housing on it's way which I purchased from Mazdatrix. They lapped it before sending. Can't really afford a new one. This brings about my question.
Is re-using Apex Seals an absurd notion ? The service manual is very explicit about trying to keep all the seals in order when removing them , but most of the threads I have read sound as though new apex and corner seals are a must. Am I reading the wrong threads or is this an accurate assesment ?
If so, should I stick with the original two piece design apex seal or is one of the newer designs a better alternative.
Thanks for any help.
04-20-13, 03:55 PM
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as long as you reuse a seal that's not worn out (measure it), and it goes back in the same groove it came from, you should be fine.
04-21-13, 10:07 PM
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I would change them honestly. Sounds like you've definitely gotten enough use out of them. You may even be able to get another 30k, but I would say they are past 75% of their life span. If it was me, I would check the specs and see how close they are. That will give you a better idea.
04-22-13, 06:14 PM
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I would change them honestly. Sounds like you've definitely gotten enough use out of them. You may even be able to get another 30k, but I would say they are past 75% of their life span. If it was me, I would check the specs and see how close they are. That will give you a better idea.
Besides the port damage to the front housing the rest of the housings and the rotors look very good, I think this car was very well cared for and not abused. Bought it from a 60 year old couple that had it for almost 20 years.
When replacing , do I stick with the original two piece design , or are the newer designs an improvment ? I believe Atkins has their own design , yes ?
